Wentz Brothers Festival of Fears Review (2024)

From the moment you step into each haunt, it’s clear that the performers are dedicated to crafting an entertaining experience. One standout feature throughout the Festival of Fears this year is the cast’s ability to engage and surprise the audience. The way they interact creates a sense of discomfort. Their unexpected movements and unsettling sounds contribute to an eerie environment that complements the theme of each haunt and the midway area.

The most notable actors/characters this year again came from the “Beasts of the Bayou” haunt and those working in the midway area. The Blackwood Butcher excels in interacting with the audience. He is observant and customizes improvisions for each group of people he encounters. Our personal favorite was the “Weeping Angel.” We don’t want to spoil anything, so we will say that she provided the most unexpected and best jump scare of the night.

Festival of Fears always stands out regarding customer service and safety. Haunt goers’ safety is mandatory. Each attraction had to undergo extensive inspections to receive their permits. Even before you arrive, it’s evident that guest satisfaction is a priority. Their website is easy to navigate, and information about the entire event is extensive.

Located at the back of the Santa Rosa Mall, Festival of Fears is easy to find and offers plenty of complimentary parking. The staff members are warm and welcoming, greeting visitors with smiles. Every team member we encountered was friendly, helpful, and genuinely cared about ensuring every guest had a memorable experience. The customer service at the Wentz Brothers Festival of Fears truly enhances the overall haunted experience. With friendly staff, efficient operations, and a strong focus on guest satisfaction, it’s clear that they value every visitor.

New this year is the use of scent misters in each haunt. The use of scents that matched the theme helped reinforce the story. They also added a layer of realism for us. “Beasts of the Bayou” had “Swampy Marsh” and “Hardwood Forest.” “Jacks vs Creaks” had a “Pumpkin Spice” scent throughout the haunt, and “The Chaos Collection” had a “Boiler Room” scent. The combination of sets, lighting effects, actors, animatronics, storylines, and smells created an experience that transported us to another world.

(SPOILER ALERT) Another fantastic addition this year is the “choose a side” section of “Jacks vs Creaks.” When you get to the end of this haunt you can choose which path out you wish to take “but beware; neither cares much for your survival.”

One of the most noticeable enhancements this year was their additional pneumatic animatronics. While some were professionally made and purchased, some were custom-made by the Festival of Fears team. Co-owner Alex Wentz said, “My favorite is the giant snapping turtle on the boardwalk; we made him ourselves, and he tied into a lot of different backstories for people who have read the books or followed our storylines.” Each figure was impressive and captured a terrifying aesthetic. The figures enhanced the atmosphere rather than just being standalone attractions. This narrative cohesion made the scares feel more intentional and impactful. They were remembered long after the experience ended.

(SPOILER ALERT) One of our favorite sections of the haunts at Festival of Fears is the Bayou in “Beasts of the Bayou.” Last year, we experienced this lighting/fog water effect at the Festival of Fears and other haunts. Festival of Fears, however, takes it a notch above others, so it is worth mentioning again. We started by traversing over a lengthy bridge above the bayou in this haunt. Beasts lurked about undetected and preyed on us when we least expected it. Later, we found ourselves inside the swamp, wading in chest-deep “water.” We could feel the anticipation build in our group as we navigated the swamp, wondering where the creatures would appear.

What adds to the entertainment value is the variety of attractions within the festival. There’s something for everyone from their “Lost Souls Tavern,” photo opportunities, a scare zone, a haunted maze, escape rooms, and an interactive haunted laser attraction. Each area offers a different way for haunt lovers to have a great time.

Wentz Brothers Festival of Fears is easy to find in the old JCPenney’s area of the Santa Rosa Mall. There is plenty of mall parking, and the haunt is conveniently located next to a Spirit Halloween store. Ticket prices went up a bit this year. Single haunt tickets are $20, $50 for general admission to all three haunts, and $80 for VIP Admission.